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Venting on Agents & Escrow who don't communicate.

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Real Estate Agent

Okay.  I normally try to focus on the positives, but today i need to vent a little. This has been festering for a while now.

I recently had a transaction where the listing agent, title, and escrow all had horrible communication.  They didn't return calls or emails in a timely manner...sometimes thay didn't respond at all.  We requested an earlier closing date because my buyer's financing was all in order, thanks to the great work of Bill Lathrop at Homestreet.  I could not get a response so I had to assume they did not want to do that.  Next thing I know, the closer had called my clients and set up a signing appt so they could close on the earlier date. 

Next they tried to get me to submit a new commission disbursement form for less $.  Evidently, they "forgot" about the soc bonus in the listing. 

Now I shouldn't complain because my clients got their home for effectively 10-20% less than market value and they got in just in time to take advantage of Nehemiah assistance.  But it could have been much less stressful if I had been able to provide them with the information they wanted.

I guess part of this is the fact that neither the listing agent nor the escrow officer were local.  I would not be surprised if the listing agent had never personally visited the property.  Maybe I'm whining.  Maybe this ispart of why we got such a great deal.  I don't know. 

I just wish all agents would take the initiative to make sure they earn their commission.  If you want to provide inferior service, that's fine.  Just don't pass yourself off as a full service agent.

Okay...all better :)

Comments(6)

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Lou Ludwig
Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC

Hi Mark

Communications between all the parties is essential to a successful real estate transaction.

Good luck and success

Lou Ludwig

Oct 18, 2008 09:37 AM
Bill Ladewig
LoanOfficerSchool.com - Escondido, CA
Experience Is Your Advantage

Communication is everything and miss-communication can turn an easy transaction into a nightmare. 

Oct 18, 2008 09:38 AM
TIM MONCRIEF
Tim Monciref - Austin, TX
Over 2,000 homes sold…..

I take control from the start.  I instruct the other agent that we both will email each other as often as possible throughout the tranaction to make sure that the hiccups are kept to a minimum.  I start off by saying, "can you do me a huge favor?"  Then I ask the question about the communications.

It works most of the time...........

Oct 18, 2008 09:55 AM
Mark Duncan
Olympia, WA

Thanks Tim.  I'm gonna give that a try.  In this case I think the agent, who is also the owner of the small brokerage, just didn't care.  I guess that was the most frustrating part.  I take seriously our duty to always work in our clients best interest.  When I come across the agent who doesn't care about the transaction, it is very frustrating and an embarrassment to all of us.

Oct 19, 2008 07:57 AM
Ryan Shaughnessy
PREA Signature Realty - www.preasignaturerealty.com - Saint Louis, MO
Broker/Attorney - Your Lafayette Square Real Estate Partner

Communication is the key to good bustomer service.  Managing expectations is a huge part of the business.  When there is a glitch, it is better to talk about the issue.  Even if you are waiting on a third party just say it.  It goes like this "When can you send a preliminary HUD?"  Silence... nothing.  Simply tell me "I got your message.  I'm waiting on lender figures.  I should have it to you tomorrow."  Much better.  Now, I can stop calling you.  I know what is going on.  Issue under control.

Oct 25, 2008 05:35 AM
Mark Duncan
Olympia, WA

This almost always is effective.  But sometimes people just don't care.  Then we have to keep calling, and calling, and calling...

Oct 26, 2008 09:04 AM